LATEST ADDITIONS

Henry Diltz is a photographer who made his living first as musician with Modern
Folk Quartet (MFQ), then as a trusted friend and photographer of many successful
groups from that time forward. The Lovin Spoon Full, The Mama's and Papa's,
Crosby Stills and Nash, The Doors and many more. He bought his first camera
a Kodak "Pony", while on tour with his group. They had a photo shoot
out with slide film and when they got home they shared them with each other
in a slide show. That was enough to hook Henry on photography forever.

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It's not often a camera like the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ comes along.
But when it does, it thankfully arrives in several flavors to suit various tastes,
in 4-, and 5-Mp versions, priced at $499 (DMC-FZ15), and $599 (DMC-FZ20), respectively.




For starters, what makes the Lumix FZ stand out is the Leica DC Vario-Elmarit
6-72mm/12x optical zoom lens, which translates into 36-432mm, in 35mm parlance.
More astounding still is the maximum aperture: f/2.8, which defines a fast lens
for this zoom range, one eminently suited to low-light situations. As if that
weren't enough, optical image stabilization should help when shooting
in subdued light at relatively long shutter speeds, a key feature we'll
be testing.

DxO Labs, a software developer focused on research in image processing, has
announced the immediate availability of DxO Optics Pro 2.2 software. This latest
version of DxO Labs' flagship product adds: support for the Canon EOS
1Ds Mark II. and the Adobe Digital Negative (DNG) file format as an output option.



With DxO Optics Pro 2.2, DxO Labs is simplifying its pricing structure. DxO
Raw Engine -- previously an option priced at US $119-- is being included
as a standard component of DxO Optics Pro.



www.dx.com

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Paper Anyone?

There are a large number of new papers and inks being shown at PMA this year,
with better archival properties and new surfaces - both traditional RC type
papers and fine art textures. Oriental, long known for their papers in the traditional
film market was showing a new line of inkjet papers, the Graphica Fiber Base
Glossy, ideal for those looking for traditional silver halide print quality,
Graphica RC Professional in gloss and luster finishes, Graphica Designer Art
Canvas, which can either be stretched like traditional canvas or mounted and
matted like traditional papers. The papers are available in cut sheet sizes
for desktop printers and roll sizes up to 42 inches.







MediaStreet was showing their new black only ink set and papers. Currently for
the Epson R series printers, MediaStreet has expanded beyond their Niagra continuous
ink system into what looks to be a very strong entry for dedicated black and
white ink jet printing. Their profiles have several tone curves that mimic traditional
alternative processing. The Niagara system now supports the Epson 4000, R300
and R800 printers as well as the Canon i9900 printers.



Arches, who makes the popular Infinity fine art papers was showing a new line
of papers from Canson. Surfaces include Torchon, Canvas, Mi-Teintes, and Watercolor
for the fine art photographer, and both PhotoGloss and PhotoSatin for a more
traditional look. The Canson line will be available in cut sheet and rolls up
to 50" width.



Hahnemuehle introduced a new series of fine art papers - the White Etching 100%
Rag in both 350 and 500 gsm as well as a new Photo Rag Bright White 308 gsm
paper.



Good news for many though is that Ilford has announced that black and white
film, paper, and chemicals will continue to be available, good news for the
many fans of Ilford film products.



Ferrania has a new line of archival paper out that offers excellent fade protection.
Compatible with dye and pigment printers, the paper is available in gloss and
satin finishes.







Kodak has finally made their Professional line of inkjet papers available in
10", 16", and 24" x 100' roll sizes. These papers have
the look and feel of traditional Kodak gloss (F surface) and luster (E surface)
paper with the familiar Kodak logo on the back.

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